Post by: Dave Rice on May 20, 2018, 10:01:04 AM
I was ‘all in’ with traditional archery: wrote a couple of articles for Traditional Bowhunter; taught a few dozen children to shoot and revel in the flight of an arrow; and found time to roam near home Western Oregon and later, the high Rockies, stump shooting or hunting most of the year.
After my 3rd shoulder surgery (2 left, one right) in quick succession, albeit not due to archery, and facing many life changes, I quit archery cold turkey about 2010: sold or gave away everything. A few of you probably have bows with my name as I sold some to TradGang folks—elegant yet lethal works of art from Wes Wallace, Mike Treadway and others.
To fill the gap, I became a decent rifle shot; then experimented with compounds (never bought one). A license agent told me that I qualify for using a crossbow during archery season—not interested. Five years running rifle elk and deer seasons came and went with little or no hunting and my tags went unused.
For me, nothing compares to wandering the forest with a longbow, whether it’s clipping a pine cone, downing a grouse, still hunting larger game, or just being at peace in the woods. Thanks to Wes Wallace for his encouragement and patience as I tested my shoulders with his bows several times. I placed an order with him last Fall. Now, on an extended business trip, it’s ready for me to pick up (pictures below).
While my last bows became increasingly ornate with exotic veneers and bamboo cores, this returns to a simpler vision using the same woods of the first bow Wes made for me many years ago: yew limbs, cocobolo riser and accents, but longer and of lighter draw weight (68”, 50# @ 29.5”). I’ve had my wood arrows ready for months to test and tune.
I don’t know how this story will develop but will enjoy the journey. Re-building strength, even for a bow much lighter than my previous ones, isn’t guaranteed. I’ll have to change my shooting process to protect my left shoulder. 20-30 shots/day instead of hundreds will test my willpower. Regaining accuracy will take time, focus and commitment: I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Dave
Post by: Orion on May 20, 2018, 10:53:26 AM
Post by: Alexander Traditional on May 20, 2018, 10:54:09 AM
That's a very good looking bow.
Post by: Steve Jr on May 20, 2018, 11:37:17 AM
Post by: Dave Rice on May 20, 2018, 11:57:36 AM
Welcome back. Good looking bow. I think you'll find that your "lighter" bow is heavier than most on here now shoot. Good luck on your journey.
Many thanks. It's good to see a familiar name.
I went round and round when choosing bow weight--I don't want it to be a wall ornament because it's uncomfortable to shoot. Shooting a similar draw weight bow 30-40x on a few occasions worked OK, although I was embarrassed that I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, and had some fatigue after about 20 shots.
Before my surgeries I had settled on 58-60# at my draw as the best compromise for me, and I shot those bows much better than 45#, which I chalk up to a release in need of improvement and 'muscling' the bow into submission. I also wanted to leave the door open for elk--I've been close so many times, but never had the right shot, or waited a heartbeat too long. With my longish draw, preference for heavy arrows, and willingness to pass on any shot not ideal I'll be in the game...or have fun trying!
Post by: M60gunner on May 20, 2018, 12:24:35 PM
Post by: Homey88 on May 20, 2018, 12:49:39 PM
Post by: Dave Rice on May 20, 2018, 01:24:04 PM
Welcome back. Enjoy your new bow. Wes makes a fine bow. I see he has changed his TD system. He is great to work with as well.
Of course, I agree about Wes' bows. Yes, he used to use a sleeve system--that's what I had on 3 of his bows. I've had faster longbows, although his perform quite well, but none that shoot where I look quite as well.
Post by: matt steed on May 20, 2018, 03:02:53 PM
God Bless
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on May 20, 2018, 03:30:27 PM
,,Sam,,
Post by: katman on May 20, 2018, 04:06:21 PM
Post by: Bowguy67 on May 20, 2018, 06:27:52 PM
It’s a beauty
Post by: BowMIke on May 20, 2018, 06:40:53 PM